Patron Behavior Policy 

The Madison County Library has established certain standards of acceptable behavior on library property in order to protect the rights and safety of library patrons and staff, and to preserve the library’s materials, equipment and property. We are committed to providing all patrons a pleasant library environment that enables staff to give quality service.

In general, any activity that is illegal, threatening or interferes with the rights or safety of library patrons or staff, which disrupts the normal functioning of the library, or which could result in physical, emotional, or mental injury to oneself or others, or damage to the facilities, equipment, or materials of the library is considered disruptive and unacceptable behavior and may result in suspension of the privilege to use the library or go upon the library premises for a specified period of time.

The Library Director and other staff members to who s/he delegates this authority shall have the responsibility for enforcement of discipline within the library.  The Library Director or delegated staff will determine when behavior is inappropriate in the library according to these policies.  Violation of these policies may result in banishment from the library for a specified period of time or permanent restriction of library privileges.

Illegal behavior will not be tolerated in the library. Law enforcement officials will be called whenever illegal behavior on library property is observed or reported.

For the comfort and safety of patrons, volunteers, and staff and the protection of library property, the following actions are prohibited on library property:

1. Possessing, using or selling illegal drugs or alcoholic beverages. Intoxicated or disruptive conduct: patrons who come to the library under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be asked to leave.
2. Smoking, except in designated area outside
3. Using library computers to access, disseminate or print illegal materials
4. Violation of copyright laws
5. Theft
6. Littering, including cigarette butts and chewing gum
7. Engaging in threatening or harassing behavior, or causing physical harm. Harassing behavior is deliberate and/or repeated behavior that is not welcome or creates a hostile environment on library premises or in communication (telephone, email, fax, written) with staff. Examples include but are not limited to: using harassing, hostile or abusive language; making threatening comments or gestures; brandishing a weapon; stalking, constantly staring at or following another person; lewd behavior; showing pictures or other materials to another person without their permission; bullying.
8. Engaging in sexual misconduct. Examples include but are not limited to: public displays of affection; indecent exposure; masturbation; offensive touching; or sexual harassment of other library patrons or staff.
9. Destroying, damaging or defacing library facilities, materials, equipment or software. Examples include but are not limited to: writing in or damaging library materials; damaging or disrupting a computing system or altering its normal performance; adding, deleting, or modifying files and/or data belonging to the library or other persons; tampering with or defacing any library property.
10. Bringing animals, other than assistance animals, into the library or on library grounds except as approved by library staff.
11. Soliciting or pan-handling on library property. School, church, sports, or civic fundraisers may be an exception as approved by library director.
12. No posting or distributing unapproved materials.
13. Gathering signatures on petitions or conducting surveys is not allowed inside the library.
14. Any behavior that endangers the safety or health of others, such as fighting, throwing objects, boisterous behavior, rude noises, talking loudly, excessive noise, abusive language or gestures, or in any way harassing library patrons or staff (See #7.)
15. No unlicensed possession of a weapon allowed on the premises.
16. Food or drink in the library except by permission of the library staff.  Absolutely no food or drink is permitted at a computer work station.
17. Attire which is inappropriate for a public place/government office,such as, but not limited to: pants below the natural waist which expose underwear; exposed undergarments; flimsy or see-through clothing; excessively short shorts or skirts or belly-baring crop tops; shoes and shirts are always required.
18. Offensive personal hygiene which disrupts library patrons or staff. Body odor: if a person’s body odor is so strong that it is offensive, he/she will be asked to leave the library until the situation is remedied.
19. Sitting, standing or lying on tables, putting feet on tables or chairs, sleeping or otherwise obstructing or interfering with the free movement of library patrons or staff.
20. Removing library equipment or materials before check-out by the circulation dept. This is theft and will result in the termination of check-out or other library privileges.
21. Parking automobiles on library premises when the owner is not using the library. Automobiles parked illegally may be towed away at the owner’s expense.
22. Use of library telephones unless authorized by library staff, e.g. emergency only.
23. Trespassing in non-public areas, being in the library without permission of authorized staff during non-public hours.
24. Using restrooms for bathing, shampooing, doing laundry, or changing clothes, except for infants and toddlers.
25. Bringing in garbage or articles with a foul odor.
26. Using wheeled devices in the library including but not limited to skateboards, roller-skates, scooters, or bicycles, except as medically necessary, such as wheelchairs, walkers and strollers.
27. Neglecting to provide proper supervision for children under age 12 in the main area, children’s area, the bathroom or by the water fountain. Children may not run freely through the library or play with computers or other equipment while caregiver is on the computer, researching, reading, or looking for library materials.

Prohibited uses of library computers and networks:

Using library computers or networks to access obscene images, illegal images, images of child pornography, or material harmful to minors, or messages or files containing these images or materials.

Using library computers or networks to engage in unlawful activities or misrepresentation or to access or attempt to access any computer system, including those of the library, without authorization.

Using library computers or networks to unlawfully harass or threaten others or engage in defamation.

Using library computers or networks to violate copyright or software license restrictions.

Changing or adding files to library computers.

Failing to pay for material printed from library printer.

Refusing to relinquish a computer or network resources when the period of time allowed has expired or when instructed to do so by library staff.

A patron exhibiting such behavior as indicated in these policies will be asked to cease the behavior.

·        If the patron refuses to cease the behavior, the patron will be asked to leave the library.

·        If the patron refuses the request to leave, law enforcement officers or other responsible authorities will be asked to intervene.

·        Such patrons may be barred from using the Madison County Library for a designated period of time or permanently at the discretion of the Library Director.